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Millions Of Medical Patients At Risk After Computers Are Stolen

CHICAGO (CBS) — The theft of four computers from a major hospital chain in Chicago has potentially placed the personal information of more than 4 million patients in jeopardy.

Hospital Computers Stolen

The computers were stolen over a month ago from an administrative building for Advocate Medical Group in Park Ridge. The group has medical offices all across the Chicago area.

The computers, which were taken on July 15, contain names, addresses, Social Security numbers and dates of birth, Advocate said in a statement.

The computers also had “limited clinical information, such as the treating physicians and/or departments, diagnoses, medical record numbers, medical service codes, and health insurance data,” the company said.

The company said it is working with the Park Ridge Police Department.

“The most important thing is that this issue has no impact on patient care,” said Kevin McCune, M.D., Advocate Medical Group’s Chief Medical Officer.

“Nothing leads us to believe that the computers were taken for the information they contained or that any patient information has been used inappropriately.”

The four million patients are being notified and will be offered free credit monitoring and identity theft protection. Advocate has posted information online to answer questions patients may have.